Metro Birmingham home sales jumped 19 percent last month, bolstered by federal tax credits for homebuyers, which expired April 30.

Birmingham area home sales surged in April, Realtors group says. The Birmingham Association of Realtors said today that 1,061 homes were sold in April, compared to 887 in April 2009. The average price was $171,992, a 4 percent rise, while the median price was $145,200, up 3 percent.

The strong results also boosted year-to-date sales. So far this year, metro area home sales total 3,248, a 7 percent improvement from the first four months of 2009.

Heavy promotions targeting homebuyers were common in April. There was a statewide sales drive called the Alabama Open House, and Birmingham homebuilders resurrected the Parade of Homes event.

Both were tied to the expiring tax credits, which offered $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for current owners.